Samantha Seagull's sandals by Gordon Winch
Ill. by Tony
Oliver.
New Frontier Publishing, 2010. ISBN 978 19210425091.
(Ages 4+) Recommended. First published in 1985, and republished most
years since then, this
new edition will be a treat for teachers and librarians now able to
replace the tattered old copies in their schools. A marvelous book to
use when talking to children about competition, difference, fashion,
growing up and friendship, this story of Samantha has resonance with
all children.
Samantha desperately wants to be different, and so buys shoes to
wear on the beach. But each pair of shoes she buys causes problems
for her going about her everyday activities, and so she must exchange
them. The high heels sink in the sand, the rubber boots fill with
water, the slipper's pompoms get soaked and lose their oomph. Each
time, her legs and face become redder with shame and embarrassment,
but all the while, her best friend, Simon comes to her rescue.
The repetitive nature of the lines will encourage younger readers as
they predict what the other seagulls will say and the humour of the
situation will cause much laughter amongst all who read the book. The
resolution is a neat resolve to the situation, informing the readers
of the difference between younger and older silver gulls. A
delightful book, with luminous shimmering illustrations, redolent of
a day at the beach, this story will have wide appeal.
Fran Knight